If someone asked me, “How good are you?” I would probably want to know what area of my life they are referring to. I am an amateur musician who can play and sing well enough to entertain friends and family, but I seriously doubt that anyone would pay money for a performance. I can do some small rough household projects but work in slow motion and do fairly well. I am a massage therapist and have had numerous satisfied clients over the years. So, I think I’m pretty good at that.
I enjoy writing but have never had anything published. This blog is a pretty good indication of how anemic my following is. I suppose this means that I’m not a particularly compelling writer.
The focus of this post, however, is something altogether different from our personal skills and abilities. Beginning thousands of years ago, Greek and Roman philosophy centered around individuals developing their personal virtue. While the virtues of a horse might be strength, endurance, speed, intelligence or agility. The emphasis of these early philosophers was on what characteristics needed to be developed in order to be a valuable member of society.
Stoicism narrowed the list of qualities primarily to four, wisdom, courage, self discipline and justice. Apparently they debated endlessly about what constituted a ‘good man’. Marcus Aurelius expressed his exasperation over this when he wrote, “Stop talking about what the good man is like and just be one.”
Virtue is not a term we hear much in our current society which is terribly unfortunate. There are innumerable self help books on the market, but the majority deal with relationships, depression, self esteem, getting rich and other ways to change our emotions or circumstances but not our inner character. I suppose that this is just one more example of how egocentric we have become.
The concept of virtue was not limited to the Greeks and Romans. Proverbs 31:10-31 highlight the qualities of the ‘virtuous woman’. She is diligent, industrious, kind, wise and devoted to her husband, family, community and God. The teachings of Jesus felt with love, mercy, forgiveness, humility and kindness. The apostle Paul addressed our inner virtues when he listed the fruit of the spirit, “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
The radicalism of many contemporary elements of Islam overshadow the original teachings of the Quran. There are numerous admonitions to live peacefully with “the people of the book” which refers to Jews and Christians. In addition, givings alms to the poor is a key tenet of the Islamic faith. I have personally experienced the kindness and hospitality of the Muslim community in Dunedin Florida.
The eastern philosophies of hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism all promote the cultivation of the inner life. They are committed to loving kindness and community harmony. Some of the most gentle people I have encountered have come from India.
The main reason I am a member of an unprogrammed Quaker meeting is because we do not promote a specific theological doctrine. Instead, each person seeks their own understanding of the eternal. What we hold in common is an ongoing effort to manifest our testimonies, Quaker values. In their simplest form they are simplicity, peace, integrity, community and equality. These are virtues I can fully embrace.
In light of the harsh rancor that has permeated our nation and fills the internet and airways, perhaps it is time to revisit the idea of nurturing our inner virtues. It would be so refreshing if we could start talking about what the good woman/man is like and begin striving to become one.
